De Anza GameChanger: How Iris Li redefines student leadership
CUPERTINO - As a sophomore captain on the De Anza College women's soccer team, Iris Li (Piedmont Hills High School) was called upon to play several positions for the 2024 team.
From attacking midfielder and defensive middle to center back and emergency goalkeeper, Li always believed in putting the team first.
"Playing goalie was nerve-racking at times," she said.
"But being a team captain means stepping up when others need you."
Li's athletic talents led her to becoming a two-time All-Coast Conference selection for the Mountain Lions. In both fall seasons (2023 and 2024), Li earned Academic All-Conference honors with a perfect 4.0 GPA.
Student Leadership
In addition to her physical gifts, Li prides herself on being resilient and persevering through challenging times.
That mindset has successfully carried Li through her time at De Anza College – through athletics, academics, student government, and in the current role of student trustee for the Foothill-De Anza Community College District Board of Trustees.
While becoming well-versed in education policy is a much different lane than majoring in cognitive science (with a specialization in human-computer interaction), Li enjoys being out of her "comfort zone" to stretch her personal development.
"I have learned so much in my student trustee role, including public policy, state budget, legislative affairs, and just a higher level of advocacy," Li said.
"I have a deeper connection to the roots of what makes our community colleges thrive."
During her freshman year, Li served on De Anza Student Government's Administration, Finance, and Marketing committees. She was later encouraged to apply for the board position by outgoing student trustee Javier Gomez Tagle.
She attended board meetings to educate herself – and later found mentors in trustees and district leaders.
"Iris has proven to be a terrific advocate for community college students, and it has been a pleasure to watch her confidence grow during her term as student trustee," said Foothill-De Anza Community College District Chancellor Lee Lambert.
"I have been impressed during recent advocacy trips to Sacramento and Washington, D.C., with her courage and eloquence in speaking for students in meetings with elected officials, an experience that even seasoned professionals can find intimidating. Iris is sure to be an effective leader in any role she chooses in the future, and I look forward to following her journey."
In February, Li travelled to the nation's capital along with her colleagues from FHDA and the Board of Trustees.
"The experience was nothing short of outstanding," she said.
"I was able to meet with numerous Congress members with our Board as well as hear their thoughts regarding community colleges at a larger scale speaker event. We advocated for passing the Dream Act, which would permanently protect undocumented young people who came to the United States as children, and thousands of students in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program."
"We also sought out increases in investments in workforce development, such as support in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act, and the Farm Bill. Lastly, we wanted to support workforce Pell Grants for students in short-term programs, to reduce barriers for adult learners who are working and supporting families. By sharing the experiences of consenting students, we were able to make a strong case, and hopefully it will reach the ears of the new administration."
Modeling The Way
Li has also served consecutive terms on the Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC), including this year as Academics Commissioner.
"We would understand if Iris took time away from SAAC because of her extra busy schedule," said Dean of Physical Education & Athletics Dr. Eric Mendoza.
"The fact that she continues to serve as a student leader in the athletic department, demonstrates her commitment to making a difference in our Mountain Lions family. Her voice in meetings, her engagement, her willingness to step up … Iris is a great example of how we want leaders to take chances and model the way for others."
De Anza College head soccer coach Mark Landefeld said Li's intensity and intelligence translate to being successful in college and beyond.
"Based on all her activities in the De Anza community, I'm certain Iris brings these qualities to all the programs she touches," Landefeld said.
"Along with all the energy she brings, Iris is quick to a smile as well - and has productively employed that trait when her captain role challenges teammates by example and just makes the team better. Working with someone like her is very rewarding as a coach, as she demonstrates what our student-athletes can achieve across many domains."
As she prepares to transfer to a major four-year university – possibly Barnard, Cornell or Northwestern – Li said her experiences at De Anza College will continue to inspire her future.
"I appreciate all of the opportunities and support De Anza College provides to students," Li said.
"I have enjoyed all of my experiences in the classroom, athletic competitions and leadership. I'm glad I made the decision to start my education at De Anza College."
(De Anza College Athletics)
